Travel with Medicine

At home you may not need over the counter medication; however, when you travel abroad, you may need them. When packing for your vacation, include aspirin or Tylenol for aches and pains(headaches, arthritis, or gout). Make sure you bring an extra week of over the counter medication; prescription medication; and allergy medication. When you fly, instead of packing your medication in your luggage, pack you medicine in a carry-on bag.

Let your doctor know about your travel destination. He/she will make sure that your family is up to date on regular vaccines. Secondly, your doctor may recommend that you be vaccinated against bacteria that is prevalent in that particular region. Lastly, there are required vaccinations for certain areas, such as, yellow fever in the Sahara-Africa areas, a meningococcal vaccination for the Saudia Arabia areas.

When you travel to an area where there are a lot of insects, then bring insect repellent. To avoid an insect bite wear long-sleeved clothing. Swimming in contaminated water, such as freshwater streams, canals, and lakes, can cause infections. To prevent an infectious disease, swim in chlorinated swimming pools.

Of all the symptoms tourists get when they travel abroad, diarrhea is the most common. Surprisingly, chocolate is said to be a remedy because of its binding properties. However, if you don’t like chocolate, bring with you antacids with magnesium hydroxide, Imodium, or Pepto Bismal. In addition, eat acidophilus or a live culture yogurt. Do not use these over the counter remedies if you have a fever! Then you will need prescription medication to remedy diarrhea.